Newcastle United took a huge step towards the Carabao Cup Final with a 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon were on hand to put the Magpies in a strong position heading into next month's semi-final second leg at St. James' Park.

Both key players were linked with moves away from Tyneside in the summer, but Newcastle have tied the latter down to a new contract while Isak is not for sale. That being said, the Magpies do need to offload players before they can reinvest into Eddie Howe's squad.

The Toon are in a good position to kick on and nail down a place in the top-four in the Premier League, sitting in fifth place, just one point behind Chelsea. This month is a good opportunity to back Howe in the transfer market and strengthen that Champions League push.

READ MORE: Newcastle United hold talks to sell £50,000 per week midfielder as star prepares to say goodbye

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Chronicle Live has taken a look at the latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip.

Newcastle United's goalkeeper stance clear

Teamtalk claims Newcastle United have a 'genuine' interest in Liverpool shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher who looks set to leave the Reds. The Republic of Ireland international was a reliable understudy for Arne Slot when first choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker was out injured earlier this season.

However, Kelleher reportedly wants to be number one and have guaranteed game time, which looks hard to come by at Anfield. The Reds signed Giorgi Mamardashvili in the recent summer window but the Georgian shot stopper is on a season-long loan with Valencia before completing his move to Merseyside next summer.

His arrival is expected to push Kelleher further down the pecking order, prompting talk of a permanent transfer away from the Reds. The report claims that Kelleher is one of two transfer targets for Howe's side in the goalkeeper department, including Burnley's James Trafford.

Chronicle says: "Kelleher has been mightily impressive at times this season, although anyone who saw his gaffe at St James' Park earlier this season to allow Fabian Schar to score may think otherwise. But he is clearly too good to be a No.2. James Trafford remains Newcastle's No.1 target and Martin Dubravka's impending departure from St. James' Park will free up a space in the Magpies' goalkeeping department, with Howe a big admirer of the Clarets man."

Manchester United told to go all out to sign Newcastle talisman

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham believes the Red Devils should go all out to try and sign Isak, who he believes would consider a move to Old Trafford.

"Manchester United is still a massive draw for any player and playing for the club is still a highlight of anyone’s career," Sheringham told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds. "Would Alexander Isak consider joining United if a bid came in? Without a doubt. I’m not saying a deal will get done but he would be the perfect signing for United.

"He can lead the line and score goals and could be a statement signing for the new regime. He is full of confidence at the moment and could lead by example."

Chronicle says: "It's getting a little bit tedious, all of these links to Isak. He. Is. Not. For. Sale. And even more so, why would he consider a move to Manchester United when Newcastle are flying and they are in a relegation scrap? And lastly, they couldn't afford him right now."

Portsmouth 'in talks' to sign Isaac Hayden

Championship side Portsmouth are reportedly in talks to sign Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden. The Telegraph claim Fratton Park is a possible destination for Hayden, who hasn't featured for Eddie Howe's side since a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on December 19, 2021.

The former Arsenal midfielder has had a number of loan spells away from St. James' Park to Norwich City, Standard Liege and QPR in recent seasons and it's clear he had no future on Tyneside after being left out of Howe's 25-man Premier League squad.

Chronicle says: "Hayden's departure on a permanent basis is overdue and would free up some space on the salary front, but he's been an exemplary professional throughout his time at the club."